Vpn private internet access5/2/2023 ![]() This is an important feature for any user in a country with restrictive internet laws. There are no obfuscated servers, which masks VPN activity to look more like regular internet activity. There are a lot of options, and plenty of helpful answers on the PIA website on to how to use them, but some important security features are missing for the Android app. However, all of these features feel like a grab bag of security features. It’s added security, but leads to a slower experience. While GCM is theoretically a more secure encryption protocol, the added security can slow you down, which makes sense since the 128 refers to bits, so 256 means double the bits. These are great features for the tech-savvy user since you’re not given a lot of guidance on why you should use AES-128-CBC, the default encryption, over AES-128-GCM, for example.ĬBC and GCM are different encryption protocols with the latter being more secure, according to PIA. It also automatically enables aggressive IPv6 blocking to prevent any DNS leaks, which might give away your true IP address.Īdditionally, you can select your data encryption, authentication, and handshake. Interestingly, PIA VPN offers a kill switch, but recommends using Android’s “Always On VPN” option because it’s better integrated. PIA VPN has a nice feature that lets you block ads and malware while connected. Plus you can switch to using small packets for better compatibility with your router. There are also multiple options to switch ports for more technical users. ![]() You can opt to use TCP if you prefer an added sense of security in exchange for speed. There are a lot of security options in PIA, but they're a mixed bag. The interface has been updated, according to PCMag, and mobile apps have also received a nice update, per TechRadar. App performance and usability has improved since this review was first published. However, that could be forgiven if PIA delivered with advanced security options. That’s it for the mobile app, which is sort of disappointing since so many VPN services and apps go out of their way to create a full-featured user experience. There’s a slider to toggle your connection and two sections where you can see your server’s location and current IP address. You can always create a new, custom password by accessing your account. I was given a randomized username and password and was ready to start using the service. Upon launching the VPN, I was greeted by a quick tutorial and joined PIA at the month-to-month rate of $9.95 (you get much better deals if you sign up for one or two years). That’s why you can use a VPN, obscure your IP address, and hide your activity from your ISP. ![]() It may not be monitored or readily available, but chances are you don’t want to have to trust that a company will do the right thing when it comes to your personal data. Your ISP could, theoretically, sell your personal data, and it has access to your traffic activity. That’s a lot of trust to place in the hands of a giant company. If you want to access the internet, you need to have an IP address that’s assigned by your internet service provider (ISP). That’s definitely a good thing, but it could still be compelled to give up user data. So far, PIA has not handed over data logs in two court cases and 12 subpoena requests. The cons include being headquartered in the United States. Pros include improved geo-blocking performance with better access to Netflix and Hulu. It’s a good, not great, VPN with a few drawbacks that keep it from the very top tier of security options. Private Internet Access continues to be an effective VPN with several improvements. However, is that enough? In this day where privacy matters so much and every VPN service is competing for supremacy, is private internet access and little else enough to entice users?Ī year after our original review, we retested this experience. Here's how to set up a VPN and protect your data
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